“Those who fund museums and those who govern and lead them need to consider fresh strategies to ensure sustainability in the years to come,” said the Culture Minister.

During the speech Mr Vaizey also paid tribute to the work of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). Echoing the recommendations of the Leading Museums Group, Mr Vaizey spoke of the need for closer working and “cultural convergence”, in sharing collections, expertise and audiences between museums and the wider cultural sector, as well as with the creative industries.